Packages for flat articles such as surgical supplies and method of wrapping such articles



IES

R. H. PRATT PACKAGES FOR FLAT ARTICLES SUCH AS SURGICAL SUPPL AND METHODOF WRAPPING SUCH ARTICLES Flled June 16. 1959 INVENTOR. W771 2,? BY WATTwP/VIMS.

2,997,166 PACKAGES FOR FLAT ARTICLES SUCH AS SUR- GICAL SUPPLIES ANDMETHOD OF WRAPPING SUCH ARTICLES Robert H. Pratt, Milwaukee, Wis.,assignor to Pratt Manufacturing COI'P-,,a corporation of Wisconsin FiledJune 16, 1959, Ser. No. 820,646 Claims. (Cl. 206-56) This inventionrelates to improvements in packages for flat articles such as surgicalsupplies and method of wrapping such articles.

It is important that packages for sterile articles such as gauze pads,dressings, sponges and other surgical supplies be of such a nature thatthey can be easily and quickly opened without contaminating the articletherein. It is also important that the package be so formed as toprovide for outward breathing. This is necessary because when thepackages are put into a steam chamber for sterilization air is firstevacuated from the chamber. This causes collapse of the package whichcannot take place without rupturing the paper unless there is provisionfor the escape of air from the interior of the package. In addition tothe above, packages of this type must be neat and attractive inappearance and must be capable of being formed rapidly on productionmachinery.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improvedpackage which can be inexpensively produced and which is capable ofbeing easily opened without contaminating the contents, and which alsoprovides a relief valve for outward breathing during sterilization.

A further object of the invention is to provide a package which can-beexpeditiously formed from a single sheet of material and which may beeasily opened in a novel manner from an edge, the construction of thepackage being such that there are protecting flaps which projectinwardly of the package from said edge to overlap the contents andprotect the same from contamination, both during and after the openingof the package.

A further specific object of the invention is to provide an improvedpackage as above described which may, if desired, contain two items, thepackage being so constructed that there is a protecting flap for eachitem.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method ofexpeditiously and inexpensively producing packages of the classdescribed.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists of theimproved package for fiat articles such as surgical supplies, and methodof manufacturing the same, and all of its parts and combinations as setforth in the claims, and all equivalents thereof.

In the accompanying drawing, in which the same reference numeralsdesignate the same parts in all of the views: I

FIG. '1 is a plan view of a blank for producing the improved package,showing two surgical pads laid there- FIG. 2 is a View similar to FIG. 1showing the ends of the blank folded toward one another to overlap thepads and showing the adhesive location on each of the folded flaps;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a partially completed package after the bottomhalf of FIG. 2 has been folded upwardly into superimposed position ontop of the other half; r

7 FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view through the partially completedpackage of FIG. 3 but showing opposite side edges partially folded overtogether;

FIG. 5 is a similar view to FIG. 4 showing the side nited States Patent0 edges in completely folded and adhesively held down condition;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a completed package in the condition of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a completed package showing a modified form ofthe invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an additionalmodification in a package of the general type of FIG. 9.

Referring first to the form of package of FIGS. 1 to 7 inclusive, theblank of FIG. 1 is formed of a single sheet of paper. This may be a thinnon-transparent packaging paper such as white sulphite, or it may beglassine, polyethylene, or any other material suitable for the purpose.While the package may be suitable for various flat articles, it isparticularly designed for gauze pads, surgical dressings, surgicalsponges, and other surgical supplies of this general type. Either one ortwo of these items may be enclosed in a single package as desired.

In FIG. 1, two surgical pads 15 are shown in position on the blank, oneon each side of the transverse center line 16 or, in other words, one oneach panel. It will be noted from FIG. 1 that the blank has extensionportions 17 at opposite ends which are adapted to form the flaps of FIG.2 when said extensions are folded on the lines 18. The reverse sides ofone or both of the extensions 17 have adhesive 19 thereon to come in thelocations shown in FIG. 2 when the flaps are folded over. Thus, in thecondition of FIG. 2 the adhesive lines are spaced a substantial distanceinwardly from the fold lines 18. The adhesive may be applied incontinuous lines or in spot formation and may be of any type such as asuitable glue, or a pressure sensitive tacky; material such as a latexnon-setting adhesive. In addition, with certain materials andarrangements heat sealing may be employed in lieu of an adhesive, aswill be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The next step in the manufacture is to fold one-half of the package onthe line 16 into overlapping relationship with respect to the otherhalf, to the condition of FIG. 3, the adhesive at 19 serving to securethe flap portions together as best shown in FIG. 7 along a line spacedwell below the fold lines 18. With this arrangement the flaps in effectform a pleat and there is a space 20 (see FIG. 7) between the unadheredportion of the flaps within which the thumbs may be inserted when it isdesired to open the package.

Next, the opposite side edges of the partially completed package of FIG.3 are interfolded inwardly and downwardly as at 21 and 22 of FIG. 4 toprovide edge interfolds, suitable adhesive having been previouslydeposited on the portions 22, preferably in spaced spot formation, asindicated at 23, FIG. 6. Thus, when the interfolds are pressed down tothe flattened condition of FIG. 5 against the adhesive spots, the latterwill hold the interfolds in the pressed down condition of FIGS. 5 and 6.If desired, any other type of closure for the: side edges may besubstituted for the interfolds such as. adhesive spots Without theinterfolds, or heat sealing when the material is suitable.

In opening the package of FIGS. 1 to 7 inclusive, the thumbs areinserted in the space 20 at the upper edge of the package and the twohalves of the package are pulled apart at the adhesive line 19.Continued pulling 3 2, one thumb being on each flap 17 over theoverlapped portion of the surgical pad 15 to keep the latter fromfalling out. At the same time the flaps 17 completely protect thesurgical pads or the like from contamination. Thereafter, the contentsmay be either shaken out or removed by a forceps.

In the modification of FIGS. 8 and 9, all of the corresponding parts areindicated by the same numerals preceded by the digit l, and like partswill not be again described. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the extensions 117 havesecond extensions 12S folded upwardly therefrom on fold lines 126, andthe adhesive which corresponds to the adhesive 19 of FIG. 2 is applied,as indicated at 119, between matching portions of the flap extensions125 a substantial distance below the upper edges of said extensions. Itis to be noted that in this form of the invention the extensions 125preferably project beyond the fold lines 118 to provide easilyaccessible ends which may be grasped between the fingers to aid inpulling the two halves of the package apart. In this form of theinvention opening may be facilitated, and there is an extra thickness ofpaper protecting the contents from contamination. Also, the extensions117 and 125 form a pleat connection.

The modification of FIG. is similar to the modification of FIG. 9, andall corresponding parts are designated by the same numerals except thatthey are preceded by the digit 2 instead of by the digit 1. In the formof the invention of FIG. 10, the adhesive 119 may be omitted and theextensions 225' are preferably made longer than the extensions 125 ofFIG. 9 so as to allow for an edge interfold 227 (similar to theinterfolds 2122 of FIG. 4) held in place by a line of spot adhesive 228or other suitable means. If the package of FIG. 10 is formed ofpolyethylene or like sealable material, the adhesive at 228 may beeliminated and the final closure may be affected by a heat seal.Likewise, in the form of the invention of FIG. 9, the projecting ends ofthe extensions 125 may be heat sealed together if the package is formedof polyethylene or the like, and the adhesive at 119 may be eliminated.Where polyethylene is used, heat sealing may be substituted for the spotadhesive 23 at the sides of the package of FIG. 6, or, for the adhesive123 of FIG. 8, or the edge interfolds may be eliminated and heat sealingsubstituted. In opening the form of the package of FIG. 10 the thumbsare inserted in the spaces 229 to pull the two halves apart.

Where sterile surgical articles such as gauge pads, dressings, spongesor the like are being packaged. it is customary for the completedpackages to be put into a steam chamber for sterilization. Thep'res entpackage is well adapted for such sterilization procedure. In suchchamber air is first evacuated. This causes collapse of the package, andduring such collapse there must be provision for escape of air from theinterior of the package. This escape is allowed through the edgeinterfolds 2122 and between the spot gluing, or it may be allowed byutilizing spot adhesive at 19. With any such arrangement air can beexhausted from the packages without rupturing the paper.

It is apparent from the above that a package has been designed which canbe produced easily and inexpensively from a minimum of material. It isalso apparent that the package can be readily opened while protectingthe contents from contamination, and that if desired, two items may bepackaged in the same package, with the two items conveniently held inseparated condition from one another after the package has been opened.In addition, the items are thoroughly protected from contamination bothduring and after such opening. If only one item is to be enclosed in thepackage it is possible to omit one of the flaps 17 and to cause theinner side of the front panel to adhere to the adhesive 19 of the oneflap with the latter overlapping the single item 15.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limitedto the exact details of construction, or to 'the exact details of themethod shown and described, for

obvious modifications will occur to persons skilled in the art.

What I claim is:

l. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom, andside edges and having flap means folded on a first fold line from saidtop edge inwardly into superimposed position on said panel and thenoutwardly again; a relatively fiat unwrapped article loosely positionedall in one plane on said panel overlapped by said flap means; a frontpanel connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flapmeans folded on a first fold line inwardly and then outwardly again; arelatively flat unwrapped article loosely positioned on said front panelhaving a portion overlapped by said last mentioned flap means, saidfront panel, article, and flap means being in superimposed position onsaid rear panel and on its article and flap means; means includingadhesive on said outwardly folded portions of the flap means securingsaid portions together; and means beyond the side edges of said articlesconnecting the side edges of the front and rear panels together, saidflap means protecting the articles both during and after opening of thepackage and the articles extending a sufficient distance toward saidfirst fold lines for said flap means to provide for retention of botharticles in the fingers between the flap means and panels while allowingeasy withdrawal of either article for use independently of the otherarticles and independently of the panels.

2. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom, andside edges and having flap means folded on a first fold line from saidtop edge inwardly into superimposed position on said panel and thenoutwardly again to provide a projection beyond said flap fold line; arelatively fiat unwrapped article loosely positioned all in one plane onsaid panel overlapped by said flap means; a front panel connected to thebottom edge of said rear panel and having flap means folded on a firstfold line inwardly and then outwardly again to provide a projectionbeyond the fold line for said last flap means; a relatively flatunwrapped article loosely positioned on said front panel having aportion overlapped by said last mentioned flap means; said front panel,articles, and flap means being in superimposed position on said rearpanel and on its article and fiap means; an interfold connecting saidprojecting outwardly folded portions of the flap means together; andmeans beyond the side edges of said articles connecting the side edgesof the front and rear panels together, said flap means protecting thearticles both during and after opening of the package and the articlesextending a suflicient distance toward said first fold lines for saidflap means to provide for retention of both articles in the fingersbetween the flaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal of eitherarticle for use independently of the other articles and independently ofthe panels.

3. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom andside edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a fiap foldline; a relatively flat unwrapped article portion, all of which must bemaintained sterile, loosely positioned on said panel and having a looseportion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a front panel hingedlyconnected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap foldedon a second flap fold line to a superimposed position; a relatively flatun- Wrapped article portion loosely positioned on said front panel andhaving a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap,said front panel, article portion and front flap being in superimposedposition on said rear panel and on its article portion and flap; meansinwardly of the adjacent edge of the package and inwardly of theadjacent edges of the article portions breakably connecting said flapstogether, there being a finger insertion space between said flaps andoutwardly of said means to facilitate pulling the front and rear panelsapart to open the package; and means spaced beyond the side edges ofsaid article portions sealing the side edges of the front and rearpanels; each flap protecting a sterile article portion both during andafter said opening of the package and providing for retention of thearticle portions in the fingers between the flaps and panels whileallowing easy withdrawal for use independently of the panels.

4. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom andside edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a flap foldline; a relatively flat unwrapped article portion all of which must bemaintained sterile, loosely positioned on said panel and having a looseportion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a front panel hingedlyconnected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap foldedon a second flap fold line to a superimposed position; a relatively fiatunwrapped article portion loosely positioned on said front panel andhaving a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap,said front panel, article portion and front flap being in superimposedposition on said rear panel and on its article portion and flap; meansincluding adhesive on the flaps inwardly of the flap fold lines andinwardly of the adjacent edges of the article portions connecting saidflaps together, there being a finger insertion space between said flapsand outwardly of said adhesive to facilitate pulling the front and rearpanels apart to open the package; and means spaced beyond the side edgesof said article portions sealing the side edges of the front and rearpanels; each flap protecting a sterile article portion both during andafter said opening of the package and providing for retention of thearticle portions in the fingers between the flaps and panels whileallowing easy withdrawal for use independently of the panels.

5. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom andside edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a flap foldline; a relatively flat unwrapped article all of which must bemaintained sterile loosely positioned all in one plane on said panel andhaving a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a frontpanel hingedly connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel andhaving a flap folded on a second flap fold line to superimposedposition; a relatively fiat unwrapped article ail of which must bemaintained sterile loosely positioned on said front panel and having aloose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap, saidfront panel, article and front flap being in superimposed position onsaid rear panel and on its article and flap; means including adhesive onthe juxtaposed faces of said two flaps spaced inwardly of the flap foldlines and inwardly of the adjacent edges of the articles securing saidflaps together while allowing a 'finger insertion space between theflaps and outwardly of the adhesive to facilitate opening; and meansbeyond the side edges of said articles sealing the side edges of thefront and rear panels together, each flap protecting an overlappedsterile article portion both during and after opening of the package andproviding for retention of both articles in the fingers between theflaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal of either article foruse independently of the other article and independently of the panels.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,366,654 Hasburg Jan. 25, 1921 2,735,544 Guyer Feb. 21, 1956 2,752,038Abbott June 26, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 850,597 France Sept. 18, 1939

